The Ultimate Summer Reading List For Kindergarten
Looking for a way to keep your kindergartener engaged with books all summer long?
Whether your child is just starting to sound out words or still loves being read to, summer is the perfect time to build a joyful reading habit that lasts. Every kindergartener learns and grows in their own way. Some might still prefer beloved picture books, while others are starting to explore early readers.
No matter your child’s stage, this guide is here to help you choose stories that make reading feel like play, not work.
Hi there! I’m Miss Beth, founder of Big City Readers. I believe kids learn best when they’re laughing, moving, and having fun. Through play-based learning and science-backed reading methods, I help families support their little readers in a way that feels natural and joyful. In this post, I’m sharing some of my favorite summer books for kindergarteners, as well as tips to make reading one of the best parts of your family’s summer.
Let’s jump into a summer full of giggles, stories, and snuggly reading moments you’ll both remember!
Why Summer Reading Matters For Kindergarteners
Reading during the summer isn’t just about keeping busy—it’s about building a foundation for future success. Here’s why those daily storytimes matter.
Prevents The “Summer Slide”: Without regular reading practice, kids can lose some of the skills they built during the school year. Just 15–20 minutes of reading a day can help maintain progress and boost confidence.
Builds Foundational Reading Skills: From letter sounds to sight words to reading comprehension, summer reading gives children more time to strengthen key literacy skills in a low-pressure way.
We’re Teaching Reading For ENJOYMENT!: When kids see reading as fun (not just schoolwork), they’re more likely to stick with it. Summer stories can be silly, exciting, or imaginative, and they help kids associate books with joy.
Creates Special Family Moments: Taking a few minutes to read together each day can be a calming, consistent part of your routine. It’s also a great opportunity to connect without screens or distractions.
Should You Focus On Kindergarten Or First Grade Skills Over the Summer?
The answer? A little of both.
If your kindergartener is still mastering letter sounds, rhyming, or reading simple sentences, it’s totally okay to revisit favorite kindergarten books and early literacy activities.
If they’re eager to sound out words, ask questions about stories, or read simple books independently, they might be ready to explore early first-grade material like beginner chapter books.
The key is to support your child where they are. Follow their lead—and don’t be afraid to mix it up with books that are a little easier (to build confidence) and books that stretch them just a bit (to build skills).
Want extra support? Check out the Big City Readers Kindergarten Ready program – designed to help your child build a strong foundation and feel confident heading into the new school year!
Kindergarten Ready - Skills To Thrive In The Classroom!
This course is ideal for rising first graders who need to polish up on kindergarten essentials like letter recognition, social-emotional development, and foundational reading and writing. Through fun, hands-on lessons, your child will build the confidence and skills needed to feel comfortable and ready for the first-grade classroom.
The Ultimate Kindergarten Summer Reading List
Here’s a handpicked list of fun, heartwarming, and skill-building books that are perfect for rising kindergarteners—or those just wrapping up their kindergarten year.
Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney
The Pigeon Has to Go to School by Mo Willems
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall
There’s a Bear on My Chair by Ross Collins
Biscuit series by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
Henry and Mudge by Cynthia Rylant
Danny and the Dinosaur by Syd Hoff
Mr. Putter & Tabby by Cynthia Rylant
Yasmin series by Saadia Faruqi
Amanda and Oliver Pig by Jean Van Leeuwen
National Geographic Kids Readers (Level 1)
From Seed to Plant by Gail Gibbons
Actual Size by Steve Jenkins
What If You Had Animal Teeth? by Sandra Markle
My First Book of Planets by Bruce Betts
I Am Jane Goodall by Brad Meltzer
Beloved Picture Books
Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney: A heartwarming bedtime story featuring Llama Llama's anxious wait for Mama, told in fun, rhyming verse. Perfect for easing nighttime fears and reinforcing routines.
The Pigeon Has to Go to School by Mo Willems: The ever-dramatic Pigeon is nervous about starting school, sparking laughs and great conversations about first-day jitters. Willems’s signature humor makes this a classroom favorite.
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff: This whimsical cause-and-effect tale follows a mouse whose endless requests will charm any young reader. Great for predicting and sequencing skills.
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats: A gentle, beautifully illustrated story about a young boy’s simple joys during a snow day. Timeless and inclusive, it captures childhood wonder.
Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall: Jabari wants to jump off the diving board—but first, he has to overcome his fears. A lovely story about courage, encouragement, and trying new things.
There’s a Bear on My Chair by Ross Collins: A little mouse is quite upset when a bear won't leave his chair, resulting in a funny standoff. Clever rhymes and expressive illustrations bring the humor to life.
Early Readers And Simple Chapter Books
Biscuit series by Alyssa Satin Capucilli: Biscuit the puppy explores his world in sweet, simple stories perfect for early readers. Repetitive text builds fluency and confidence.
Henry and Mudge by Cynthia Rylant: This gentle chapter book series features Henry and his big, lovable dog Mudge on everyday adventures. Great for children transitioning to longer stories.
Danny and the Dinosaur by Syd Hoff: Danny’s trip to the museum leads to a fun-filled day with a friendly dinosaur. A classic easy reader with timeless charm.
Mr. Putter & Tabby by Cynthia Rylant: Elderly Mr. Putter and his cat Tabby enjoy small adventures filled with heart and humor. Warm and relatable, with accessible language for young readers.
Yasmin series by Saadia Faruqi: Yasmin is a curious, confident Pakistani-American girl who solves everyday problems creatively. Short chapters and cultural themes make this series both fun and meaningful.
Amanda and Oliver Pig by Jean Van Leeuwen: Siblings Amanda and Oliver navigate everyday challenges like moving or sharing in these relatable early chapter books. Gentle stories with strong family themes.
Engaging Nonfiction Picks
National Geographic Kids Readers (Level 1): These nonfiction titles are packed with fun facts, real photos, and simple text about animals, science, and more. Great for curious minds just beginning to read on their own.
From Seed to Plant by Gail Gibbons: A straightforward and beautifully illustrated look at how plants grow, written by a master of children’s nonfiction. Perfect for young scientists and nature lovers.
Actual Size by Steve Jenkins: Explore animals through life-size illustrations that wow readers with surprising comparisons. A great blend of science and visual learning.
What If You Had Animal Teeth? by Sandra Markle: Combines animal facts with silly fun by imagining kids with wild animal teeth. Educational and hilarious—perfect for engaging reluctant readers.
My First Book of Planets by Bruce Betts: A simple introduction to the solar system, designed with large fonts and colorful illustrations. A great beginner science read.
I Am Jane Goodall by Brad Meltzer: Part of the “Ordinary People Change the World” series, this biography introduces Jane Goodall in an inspiring, accessible way. Encourages curiosity and compassion.
How To Choose The Perfect Summer Books For Kindergarten
With so many books out there, it can be tough to know what’s right for your kindergartener. Here are some tips for choosing just-right books that will keep them curious and engaged.
Mix Up Book Types: Include a variety of picture books, early readers, nonfiction books, and maybe even a few very simple chapter books for adventurous readers.
Follow Their Interests: Does your child love trucks? Animals? Dinosaurs? Silly stories? Look for books that tap into those passions—it makes a big difference in motivation.
Find the Right Level: Choose books that they can enjoy and feel successful with. That might mean books you read aloud, ones they can try reading themselves, or a combination of both.
FAQs About Kindergarten Summer Reading
Q: How long should my kindergartener read each day?
A: Aim for 15–20 minutes of reading a day. This can include read-alouds, independent reading, or reading together. Remember, this can be broken down into 5 minutes at breakfast, 5 minutes waiting for lunch and 5 minutes before bed!
Q: What if my child wants to reread the same book?
A: That’s a great thing! Repetition builds confidence, vocabulary, and fluency. Encourage them and mix in new reads as you go.
Q: How can I support a reluctant reader?
A: Start with fun, low-pressure books. Read aloud together, make silly voices, and talk about the pictures. Keep reading joyfully and pressure-free.
Ready To Make Summer Reading Magical?
If you’re looking for a little extra support at home, I’ve got you covered! My Ready to Read and Toddler Literacy Lab online programs are full of fun, hands-on activities designed to build early reading skills in a way that actually works. If you’re just getting started or looking to boost what you're already doing, these courses are here to make learning feel joyful for both you and your child!
Whether your child is just learning their letters or trying their first early reader, the right books—and the right support—can help them grow into a confident, joyful reader. Let’s make this summer one to remember, filled with laughter, imagination, and great stories.
Have questions about what to read or how to support your child? Please ask in the comments! And to keep up with the latest early childhood development tips, check out my recent posts:
